Hello everyone. I've read the posts here on everyone's favorite machine for quilting, but I'd like to ask what may be a really dumb question. First of all, I'm shopping for a good machine to pursue quilting, one that has a great straight stitch for piecing, and can be used for machine quilting. My dumb question is this: can I assume that the higher end machines, such as the Janome 6600P, are good for piecing? Do they sew a good 1/4" seam without chewing the fabric or moving to one side? My top priority is getting a good machine for piecing, but I'd like it to have enough harp space for machine quilting. It seems like many quilters have favorite machines for piecing, but then different machines for quilting. I can only have one machine. Thanks for any advice!

Maybe I should rephrase my question. Does anyone have a machine that they are not pleased with the 1/4" foot? My little machine sews fine, but cannot sew a 1/4" seam. Feed dogs are too wide. I'd like to get a really good machine, but want to make sure the piecing is easy.

Hummmm....that question usually gets a lot of opinions, but since it's late on the East Coast, you may not get many tonight. I personally sew on a low end Brother, no fancy stitches, no needle up/down, etc. I can adjust the needle position, though, and I check it often for distance from the edge of my regular sewing foot. It works.

Welcome to the board from Southern California!
I have an expensive Bernina and it does a great job with the 1/4" seams. I know there are a lot of lower priced machines that do a great job with the seams that you need for quilting. I have a regular size machine, I looked into the 9" throat machines but decided that I will later on, someday, buy myself a larger mid to long arm machine for quilting. I don't know if the extra 2" is that much better. Others will be able to answer that better!

I have a Janome 6600 on order (it hasn't come yet because we've got snow and ice here! rats!). Mostly to improve my FMQ capabilities, it's true. But a friend here has one (Katrine on the board) and HER piecing is perfection personified! With the 1/4" foot, you can move the needle position by small increments to make it scant, spot on or generous, whichever you want. This link is a UK site but I put it up to show the foot - you see it has a little guide at one side to keep the edge of your fabric straight? And the Acufeed system will ensure that the fabric feeds evenly. http://www.sewdevine.co.uk/product_i...roducts_id=468

:-D

EDITED to say - sorry, should have started with 'hello and welcome to the board'! :D